Mallakhamb
as the name suggests is a pole used by wrestlers for practicing their
skills in the game KUSTI. But now a days the trend has changed and it has
got a special identity. Mallakhamb needs concentration, speed and
flexibility. It is the only game which is played against gravity.

HISTORY OF
MALLAKHAMB

The
origin of this ancient Indian sport can be traced to earlier part of the 12th
century. A mention of wrestlers exercising on wooden poles is found in the
Manasholas, written by Chalukya in 1153 A.D. It was revived late in the 19th
century by Balambhatta Dada Deodhar, physical instructor to Bajirao Peshwa II,
He took great efforts to popularize this sport. Resemblance
of the shape of the Ancient and Modern Mallakhamb to the human structure can be
easily seen. At first Mallakhamb was always concerned with Kusti, to learn
different styles of Kusti. Now a days the game also includes
Gymnastics. It is leaving ancient grips. The present game includes supple
body, alert muscles and mind, concentration and expansion of the muscles, rhythm
in breath, eyes wide open etc. Now a days at the competitive level the degree of
difficulty is increasing day by day. The need of safety instruments is
felt.

There are 3 types
of Mallakhamb which are played on competitive level.

IXED
MALLAKHAMB

It is a vertical pole
fixed in the ground. Generally teak wood or Sesame (a type of rose wood) is
commonly used because of its physical properties such as toughness and soft
surface. Castor oil is applied to its surface in order to reduce the
friction and minimize the injuries. Generally it is 10 to 12 feet high above the
ground level. It has got a diameter of 5 to 6 inches at the bottom and 1.5
to 2 inches at the top.

(Click on the Thumbnails to
see a larger image and description)

ANGING
MALLAKHAMB

It
is a small version of the fixed Mallakhamb and is generally used for balancing
exercises. The wooden pole is suspended with the help of a hook and chain. The
degree of difficulty while performing this exercise is due to its swinging and
revolving motion. The fill body has to be kept very close to this Mallakhamb. It
is hanged at the height of 3.5 to 4 feet above the ground.

OPE
MALLAKHAMB

It is a different type of
Mallakhamb from those mentioned above and is a modernized version of the cane
Mallakhamb. The structural difference between the above 2 and the Rope
Mallakhamb is noteworthy. The Rope Mallakhamb is an answer to the modern day
problems like space and transportation. Various Yogic and Gymnastic positions
are performed gracefully on the rope Mallakhamb and that to without tying
literal knots to the rope.

(Click on the Thumbnails to
see a larger image and description)

There are few types
which are remain confined only for the purpose of demonstration. One of
them is the 'Unsupported type'. The
Mallakhamb is inclined so that the center of gravity is maintained. In various
kinds of demonstrations the people who give the demonstration use traditional
weapons like swords, ancient torches.

The manner in which the
body is turned, twisted, stretched and balanced on the Mallakhamb keeps the
spectators spellbound. Playing on the Mallakhamb helps to develop ones speed,
reflexes, concentration and co-ordination. Training of Mallakhamb helps in
practicing many other games which include Wrestling, Judo, Gymnastics,
Athletics, Horse-riding, Tennis etc.

'Shoulder vault'
on the Mallakhamb will improve the wrestlers
throw. Most of the wrestlers use the Mallakhamb for
shadow practicing. Most of the exercises in Mallakhamb are fabricated
keeping wrestling in view.

Practicing
Mallakhamb will strengthen a gymnasts
shoulder girdle for Roman Ring. Mallakhamb also helps in
developing qualities such as flexibility, grace, swiftness and rhythm
which are very much essential for a successful gymnast.

In Athletics,
Mallakhamb increases the endurance, strength and stamina of the athlete
needed for
athletic events.

Tennis
and Badminton.A
ladder on the Mallakhamb will strengthen the muscle of the shoulder girdle
and forearm. if also increases the flexibility of the wrist joint.

Cricket,
Hockey and Football. A side dive
catch on the Mallakhamb will train a cricketer to dive and a Football
goalkeeper or Hockey goalkeeper to save a goal.

Swimming.Dismounting from a Mallakhamb teaches diving skills to a diver.

Horse
riding. The basic grip helps a horse rider very much, as the grip
is similar in both the cases. The horse mount on the Mallakhamb is exactly
similar to the literal horse mount.

The Mallakhamb
Federation of India (m.f.i.) was established with a view to make the game
more disciplined, standardized and to make the activity more coherent in 1980. m.f.i.
has standardized basic 3 types of this sport to be played in the competition.

According
the rules of M.F.I., hierarchy of the competitions is as follows

1) PUNE DISTRICT MALLAKHAMB ASSOCIATION

The District
level competitions

2) MAHARASHTRA
AMATEUR MALLAKHAMB ASSOCIATION

The STATE level
competitions

3) MALLAKHAMB
FEDERATION OF INDIA

The NATIONAL level
competitions

These are the main competitions. The
other competitions are as follows.